Criminal Justice Platform Europe – Summer Course – Postponed!

With very much regret, in light of current circumstances regarding the Covid-19 outbreak, we inform you that the partners in the Criminal Justice Platform Europe, in close collaboration with the local organising team from Barcelona have decided to postpone the 4th International Criminal Justice Summer Course in Barcelona (planned on 7-10 July 2020) to July 2021.

New cancellation policy in reaction to the COVID-19 emergency

Reimbursement of 50% of the fee before 5 June; after this date, reimbursement is no longer possible.

In case the summer course is cancelled by the organisers, registered participants can choose to attend the summercourse next year or to get a full refund of the fee.

The organisers are closely following the developments with regard to the COVID-19 and will inform all registered participants as soon as a decision has been taken about a possible cancellation of the event.

Very few offences stir up such strong feelings as those committed by violent sexual offenders. Communities are fearful. The media often vengeful. Politicians speak mainly of punishment.

The lasting damage inflicted upon victims can be devastating. How can their voices be heard? Can wrongs be put right? Is prison the only answer? How can professionals who work with such offenders retain balance and hope and effective practice? Walking the tight rope of risk management… We live in the age of #metoo with highly sexualised images bombarding us from every angle and yet, when people make mistakes, or have sexual identity problems, or commit sex offences, the immediacy of judgement, is bitter and relentless. To work in a prison or a community setting with sex offenders often draws suspicion from colleagues, let alone the general public.

So this event is a unique international opportunity to meet professionals, from other countries, from different disciplines, from a range of backgrounds to share and to learn from people doing the same work. The focus will be upon practice: what works – new ideas – restorative methods – preventing reoffending – research – workshops – practice visits – sharing experience. The aim is that participants bring their expertise and, through engaging with the courses, are better equipped and informed about current approaches and effective interventions. The event will be demanding, but rewarding, for the individual practitioner and the organisations they represent.

Programme

Each organisation member of CJPE will address the main topic from a different but complementary angle:

European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris) will focus on ethics in management and treatment of individuals sentenced for a sexual offence.

The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) will explore the better understanding of sexual abuse to create effective policy and practice.

The European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ) will look how to include victims and use restorative justice approaches to respond to sexual violence.

By sharing ideas and considering the very latest research and programmes, participants will be stimulated to engage with the debate on how to respond to sexual violence. Methods will include training, presentations and discussions among the participants. The aim is to examine key practice issues, inspire new thinking, promote cross-fertilization and build new networks to improve services and practice in prisons, probation and restorative justice. The variety of the group, coming from different European realities, will provide further opportunities to learn and engage in criminal justice issues.

The Summer Course consists of plenary sessions, four seminars, five study visits and three parallel workshops, . During registrations, participants will be asked to choose which workshops, seminar and study visit they would like to attend.

Registration

Registrations is open for a limited number of participants (60) among expert practitioners, subject specialists, project development leaders, practice managers, trainers, academic practice teachers, researchers in the fields of prison, probation and/or restorative justice. Priority will be given to European participants; The course is not meant for private sector participants.

The working language of the Summer Course is English.

The early bird fee is 375 Euros (425€ after 15 April 2020) and it includes materials, coffee breaks, the opening reception, one dinner, one study visit and certificate of attendance. Flights, accommodation and subsistence are NOT included. Registrations close on 20 June.